KLLM and Lease Purchase

Discussion in 'KLLM' started by landy77, Jan 31, 2011.

  1. RoadToad69

    RoadToad69 Mistress of Mayhem

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    Sep 20, 2007
    BFE, TX
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    Dave,

    The problem is that I *am* paying for maintenance...via a 7cpm deduction. BUT, due to the company's demand that I bring my truck to a company shop for repairs and maintenance AND because that service has been substandard, I have lost a lot of time and revenue.
    I have been a team player until it hurts. At the worst of times during the recession I often did not put in for layover or detention pay, did not put in for reimbursement for reefer fuel, did not put in for reimbursement for CAT scale tickets, etc. I have also, through this board, sent many people to the company.
    I am more than happy to help the company save money BUT when they demand that I bring my truck to them for repair AND repeatedly fail in providing competent service as well as treat ME like *I'M* the ##*h*** for being upset when this failure on their part costs me LARGE amounts of lost revenue and undue stress....when, under my contract, it clearly states that I am not required to obtain my maintenance and repair services from them...THEN, yes, it runs me VERY hot. I feel I have gone above and beyond to be a team player for them and instead of them giving a little in return I get pushed to give even more....to my further detriment and all for their benefit.

    As of yesterday, they are STILL wanting me to bring it to a company shop and are trying to throw in some inducements (paying for my hotel, doing a stem to stern inspection of the truck to seek out and identify any current and developing problems) however I'm not sure how much good it does to have a company shop do a "thorough" inspection when they have repeatedly failed in their service in the past.

    I did contact Paul Taylor, spoke to him and faxed my contract as well as a summary of my last 5 shop visits. He is supposed to be looking it over this weekend and contacting me on Monday.

    As for the tax matters - No, I was fully aware of those things going into it. You are contract labor and self-employed....therefore responsible for paying SS and FICA taxes yourself. If you don't know that before signing on the dotted line then you have not done your research and are going to be in for a long rough road with a lot of unpleasant learning experiences.

    RT
     
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  3. RoadToad69

    RoadToad69 Mistress of Mayhem

    273
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    Sep 20, 2007
    BFE, TX
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    Bottom line here -

    KLLM is still a good company but you are going to have to a strong backbone and stand up for yourself.
    The lease purchase program is still one of the best in the industry BUT if you are going to go into it....DO THE MAINTENANCE ESCROW....NOT THE "GUARANTEED" MAINTENANCE. Most, if not all, of the trucks they have for lease now still have a lot of their warranty left anyway AND with the maintenance escrow you do not even have to deal with the company on repairs other than calling to get the escrow funds released.

    RT
     
  4. the professor 94703

    the professor 94703 Light Load Member

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    Oct 17, 2010
    Hope, Ar , USA
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    Road toad I am frustrated about company shops as well. I am not sure what to say at this point. It seems none of KLLM's mechanics are well versed with the newer pollution control equipment.
     
  5. RoadToad69

    RoadToad69 Mistress of Mayhem

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    Sep 20, 2007
    BFE, TX
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    Wish I could get a bunch of our drivers to sound off here about their experience with the company shops over the past 6 months - be it good, bad or indifferent.
    It would not only allow me to see if my experience is the norm or atypical AND would give me a place to send the head of maintenance so he can get a better idea of the problems and what areas they are in.

    But don't know how many current drivers we have running around on this board.

    RT
     
    The Challenger Thanks this.
  6. aztrucker11

    aztrucker11 Light Load Member

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    Jan 12, 2011
    surprise,az
    0
    well just my 2 cents a lease purchase program those are designed for the company not the driver.As a driver get close to paying off the truck the company finds more ways to make a driver leave! even with driver's like roadtoad69. that are great driver's to have in a company! and on forums like this one! not trying to offend you roadtoad
     
  7. RoadToad69

    RoadToad69 Mistress of Mayhem

    273
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    Sep 20, 2007
    BFE, TX
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    Not offended at all...

    RT
     
  8. sookie

    sookie Bobtail Member

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    Aug 28, 2009
    Memphis, TN
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    ...just passing through to see what's happening at KLLM. We've moved on to Conway after leaving KLLM and are very happy here. We almost did the lease purchase with them and very glad we opted not to. There are companies out there that care about the driver, Roadtoad...once your truck is paid....please start looking around. Drivers are a dime a dozen to KLLM....so your voice is not going to be heard! I just hate seeing hard working individuals being taken advantage of. Good Luck to you!
     
  9. the professor 94703

    the professor 94703 Light Load Member

    83
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    Oct 17, 2010
    Hope, Ar , USA
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    RT. My latest project is trying to do something to reduce idle costs. As expected this is another exercise in frustration.
    The problem is getting someone to answer questions. I am looking at 2 options 1. Buying a used APU .
    2. Getting a generator and a portable a\c w heating capabilities
    The main problem is installation of either 1 or a frame box to mount the latter. Honestly my frustration level is such that I think it is time to simply walk away from KLLM.
    The problem is that there is such a climate of fear in management that no one is willing to make a decision. In addition trying to get people to talk about problems has been difficult..
    Getting miles is one thing the problem w l/p is getting money. After expenses.
     
  10. newbiewannadoitright

    newbiewannadoitright "Right Wing Nut Job"

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    Sep 26, 2007
    Cajun Land
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    Toad, I'm sorry to hear about the problems you're having right now. The hassle makes life on the road that much tougher. I think the bad part, is that RoadToad was on the earlier lease program that started it all. I was really going to go on that program, but right before I signed up, they started cutting the pay per mile, upping the truck payments, and cutting back on other benefits. That's when I put the brakes on the Lease Program.

    I realize that after your truck is paid for, you become and Owner/Operator, which means more money in your pocket, but maybe more maintenance on an older truck. I think that if you ever decide to deadline your truck after it's paid for, and you get another truck, you have to go on the NEW program, which means less money, bigger payments, and probably the same hassle you're going through now.
     
  11. Aiken

    Aiken Light Load Member

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    Aug 23, 2010
    Aiken, SC
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    Started to drive with my husband last week in our own truck. What a huge difference between company 2007 and ours 2002 Columbias! Have to thank and kiss my husband for taking care of it! Took me a little while to learn 13 speed, but I am getting better.
    Good luck to all KLLM and non KLLM drivers! Be safe!
     
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